It seems, the Google was finally able to “find” the correct direction of development of their media players for the big screen – at least in the line Chromecast company produces another, is the fourth (if you count the two second-generation device) model, Google Chromecast Ultra review.
EQUIPMENT
Packaging has become more presentable – if Google Chromecast Ultra the second generation delivered in a rather rough box made of recycled cardboard, then the Ultra Chromecast already sold in a much more “civilian clothes” box. Options traditionally the minimum: the player itself, power supply and cardboard with brief instructions on setting up the primary.
DESIGN
Unlike previous “rushing” from one design to another, Google Chromecast Ultra review is very similar to the model of the second generation: a small disk drive (about 5 cm in diameter and a little less than one and a half centimeters in thickness) with a short cable HDMI. On top of the housing flat, completely glossy (fingerprints on it appear immediately), with a small letter G on the edge (previously it was a little convex and with a large embossed Chrome logo – in fact, this is the main difference in appearance between the two models).
The connector is mounted a small magnet, so in the “stowed state” he is “glued” to the bottom of the player. Opposite the HDMI cable on the side of you can find the micro-USB port and is next to him before the reset button to factory defaults “moved” closer to HDMI; next to it is also an indicator of activity (power button in the player is still lacking, as in the previous model).
The power supply is a major player in – more than the device itself. On it, somewhat surprisingly, also found … port Ethernet – one of the major hardware innovations Chromecast Ultra compared to previous devices in the series.
Remote Control, as before, have not as a class player – you need to manage it with the help of other devices based on Android (or PC).
DIFFERENCES FROM THE CHROMECAST 2ND GENERATION
Unfortunately, at this time Google Chromecast Ultra review is in no hurry to disclose information about the hardware of the player – in the Chromecast Ultra specifications indicate only its technical capabilities. Thus, the new model now supports video resolutions up to 4K (1080p at Chromecast 2nd generation) and HDR mode (both currently existing format – and HDR10, and Dolby Vision), for wireless communication response in Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g / n / ac); In addition, for a more sustainable and high-speed connections in the Chromecast Ultra added the ability to connect through the wired Ethernet port above. Also, the manufacturer promises higher download speeds, but in any technical details is not deepened. Another small technical detail – if the previous Chromecast model if desired, can be powered from the TV USB-ports, then the Ultra Chromecast is more “gluttonous”, and it will need to connect to a power outlet.
By and large, this difference from the previous model and end … no, there’s still a question of price. If Chromecast 2nd generation cost $ 35, then support for 4K users will have to pay twice as much – Chromecast Ultra went on sale for $ 69.
CONNECTION
There is nothing new: we connect Google Chromecast Ultra review to the HDMI-input of the TV, turn it into the socket, switch on the TV to the desired channel and the load from the corresponding store (Google Play or the Apple App Store, your choice) business application on your mobile device (it was previously Chromecast, now use Google Home) to communicate with the player.
After starting it will find included Google Chromecast Ultra review and establish contact with him, after which it will be connected to your local network – in this installation and configuration is the complete player.
THE PAPER
When you first start Google Home shows, «how to cast» – on the example of various applications on items it explains where they are hiding Cast button, by which the image and sound is sent to the big screen as control the volume, set the playback to pause and terminate a session “caste”.
In terms of functionality Google Home looks richer “old» Android-client Chromecast: it shows a list of installed system applications that support Google Cast, you can change some device settings (eg, display of news and information from instead of wallpaper during “downtime” ) and provides access to the Play Store section with applications that support “Chrom kast”. In addition, Google Home supports voice control, with the ability to search for a movie or TV series on all available services on the device.
Google Cast, of course, is built into the proprietary utilities – for example, YouTube and Google Play Movies / Music (however, in the Music can be broadcast only purchased content, but not locally stored files). Also, Google Cast support is available in all major clients services like Netflix, HBO Go / Now, Hulu, Vudu, Spotify, Twitch, NFL Sunday Ticket, Napster, BBC iPlayer, and so on. (Except for Amazon Prime Video, for which the player will have to buy from Amazon). But our realities are making their adjustments, and for the domestic user, unlike Western, this list is rather academic interest (except maybe Netflix) – here is more relevant applications for the “casting” of local content, both on the smartphone/tablet and from being in a local PC network. For these purposes can be used, for example, Plex for Android (for the “casting” from a PC you will need to install an optional Plex Media Server) – however, the free version is suitable for reference only, because it is limited to the video playback. As an alternative, we can recommend LocalCast for Chromecast, BubbleUPnP for DLNA / Chromecast, AllCast or File Manager Solid Explorer.
Chromecast Other useful features also have not gone away in the Ultra-modification. The first is the ability to duplicate the screen of the smartphone on TV – the picture on the big screen will be fully repeated what happens on a mobile device, so that in this mode, you are, by and large, can Stream On Chromecast Ultra any content from any application (including sound ). And, of course, “casting” from the desktop – for this, you need a browser Google Chrome (of course) with the expansion of Google Cast – it adds a toolbar button to a proprietary browser, with which you can send (in full-screen mode) any browser tab. In addition, some sites (eg, YouTube) offer “native” support this function – they have the corresponding button is integrated directly into the video players.
PROS: EASY TO USE; 4K SUPPORT AND HDR; THE PRESENCE OF ETHERNET PORTS
CONS: THE INCREASED PRICE
CONCLUSION OF THE GOOGLE CHROMECAST ULTRA REVIEW
For all its merits, Google Chromecast Ultra review leaves a mixed impression, at least at the moment. The main innovation – support 4K – still not much in demand due to the relatively small amount of content in the online services, the official also support “casting” local 4K-content using third-party applications are still worse (eg craftsmen, manual changes config made to work Plex, but it turns out it’s not at all). At the same time, the previous model still seems quite relevant – and is exactly 2 times cheaper. So buying Chromecast Ultra now – this is more “future proof” for 4K-TV owners (support transmission UHD-content through the Google Cast sooner or later surely add to the most popular applications, and in the online services of movies and TV shows in 4K will only increase).
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